Each year on or near June 21, United Ways across the country organize a community-wide day of service called United Way Day of Action. With more daylight hours than any other, the summer solstice is the ideal day to let your actions speak louder than words. It’s the perfect way to show what it means to LIVE UNITED. By hosting a nationwide volunteer day, United Way fulfills its mission by mobilizing the caring power of thousands of people in each community

Take Action for ALICE®United Way of Northern New Jersey is focusing our 2017 Day of Action efforts on helping local ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families and their children in our region.Do you know ALICE? You likely interact with many ALICE individuals every day – community members who are working hard, but still struggling to afford the basics. In our region, 27 percent of residents are ALICE or living in poverty. United Way Day of Action is the perfect way to show your support for these community members.

Two Ways to Get InvolvedSign up to volunteer on either June 20th in Montclair or June 21st in Somerville!

Join us to help children from ALICE families this summer to: 1) practice their literacy skills with new books; 2) enjoy healthy snacks that improve their nutrition; and 3) have fun learning about saving their money.

Volunteers will assemble "ALICE Action Kits" for preschoolers and elementary school students. The kits will include: books, bookmark, pencil, related activity and reading guide for parents (literacy); an assortment of healthy snacks and easy-access meals, activity to promote healthy eating and water bottle (health); and a small bank to decorate, money game/activity, small calculator, pencil and information about saving (financial stability). Volunteers will then help to distribute the kits to ALICE children at local nonprofit partners in the community.

For corporate groups looking to participate, we suggest a donation of $20 per volunteer. Sign up today - volunteer slots are limited!

Not available on June 21st? No problem! Click here to find another volunteer activity in your area that week to celebrate this national day of service.

United Way Day of Action volunteer projects are great for local companies, faith-based groups, community members, and children. Don’t miss it!If you would like more information or have any questions, email Lisa Galonardo or call 973.993.1160, x503.